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Friday, June 30, 2017

CMBA Blog Profile: An Ode to Dust

The
CMBA profiles two classic movie blogs per month. Today we're featuring Nicole
from An Ode to Dust.

You could say An Ode to Dust is an adventuresome blog.In addition to film critique and Hollywood history, Nicole delves into many subjects on her site, such as book reviews, festival coverage and road trips to discover areas connected with classic film.

She has an appreciation for the legends, such as Audrey Hepburn and Buster Keaton, but she has a very special connection with Lon Chaney who, like Nicole, was a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults).

"I have been looking for ways to connect Deaf culture to film history," says Nicole, "and when I found out that Lon Chaney was also a fellow CODA, I was over the moon. Every so often, I try to share
little bits of Deaf culture (along with my experiences as a CODA) through my
writing, hoping to shed some light on a subject that is so unfamiliar to many."You can read Nicole's piece on Lon Chaney HERE.

CMBA:
What sparked your interest in classic film?

An
Ode to Dust: I can only recall watching a lot of older
comedy shows with my dad while I was growing up—mainly I Love Lucy, Bewitched,
The Three Stooges, and assorted cartoons like Tom & Jerry and
Felix the Cat. As far as films, I do remember watching The Wizard of
Oz, The Sound of Music, Singin’ in the Rain, and The Birds.
As I got older, I found myself becoming more interested in watching films from
the 1950s and 1960s, and one way or another, I wanted to see even more of what
classic cinema had to offer.

CMBA:
What makes a film a “classic” in your opinion?

An
Ode to Dust: I would say “classic” means something that is
timeless, highly-revered, spans across multiple generations, and holds some sort
of significant meaning to people. However, if we’re talking “classic” as an
adjective rather than a noun, I usually think of classic films ranging from the
talkie era to somewhere before the 1970s. The cutoff date is still a bit hazy
for me.

CMBA:
What classic film(s) do you recommend to people who say they hate old movies?

An
Ode to Dust: I would have to tailor my suggestions depending
on the person and figuring out which aspects they seem to like in a film.
However, I will hands-down recommend Buster Keaton to anyone at any time. I
find his work so accessible, down-to-earth, and fun for all ages. I’d probably
start off by showing one of his early silent shorts, maybe something like One
Week or The Scarecrow.

CMBA:
Why should people care about classic film?

An
Ode to Dust: I personally find it fascinating that classic
film allows us to see people in past eras living and breathing and moving (even
if they are acting out a story), and that life was still going on in a way that
words and still images can’t fully capture. Film records a certain essence of
time in motion, and in a much more spatial sense. From its beginnings, you can
see layers of history develop through the history of film itself.

CMBA:
What is the most rewarding thing about blogging?

An
Ode to Dust: I love that I have a space to share my own
thoughts and be able to look back on memories or sentiments regarding a
specific film or event. It is an extension of my passion and a place where I
can hone my writing skills, all while connecting with many like-minded people
of whom I would have otherwise never met before.

CMBA:
What challenges do you face with your blog, and how do you overcome them?

An
Ode to Dust: I tend to go overboard on proofreading. While
it may be good practice, I end up stressing myself out a lot because of it.
Another issue is finding the time and energy to write during the middle of a
busy semester. Somehow, I’ve been able to get through the latter all right by
updating at least once a month, but I’m still struggling to find a way to break
my intense proofreading dilemma.

CMBA:
What advice would you give to a new blogger?

An
Ode to Dust: Definitely have a strong enthusiasm for what
you want to write about and share. Even if it’s for an audience of none, just
keep writing whenever you can. Don’t worry too much about finding a “niche” or
a “voice” right away. With time, that will develop. Find other blogs you’d
enjoy reading and interact with them. You can learn a lot through others.
Joining a blogathon is a good way of doing this!

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What is the Classic Movie Blog Association?

The Classic Movie Blog Association (CMBA) is a group of blogs dedicated to the celebration of classic cinema. The CMBA accepts new members periodically throughout the calendar year. If you are interested in joining, click here for more information.